The rise and development of Lunwenfu in successive dynasties

Abstract

Lunwenfu 论文赋 (discussing literature in the style of fu) of successive dynasties is not only a prominent phenomenon in the history of fu 赋, but also an important aspect of ancient literature and art. The rise of Lunwenfu connects with the development of the literary form, while the production of this style goes together with the appearance of the fu exam in the imperial examination system (keju kaofu zhidu 科举考赋制度). From the writing theory of Lunwenfu, it can be found that the purport of which is that shi 诗 and fu have the same origin while wen 文 is used to give expression to the dao 道. As far as writing skills are concerned, the elaboration and description of literary theory coming from Lunwenfu connect with the depiction, the space structure and the zeitgeist particular to the art of fu. The authors chiefly write pianfu 骈赋 and lüfu 律赋 which enhance a reader’s sense of aesthetic appreciation.